Pages

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Anarchy in ...autumn

As a spear header of the punk movement of 1977, no one can do the quintessential 'punk'/'rockchick look quite like the Queen of Punk - Vivienne Westwood - herself. Her a/w collection still boasts an attitude as bold as her early collections for Sex, her legendary Kings' Road shop at the height of the punk movement. This time, its more refined with elegant military coats, prim court shoes, slouchy sweaters, sheer tights, the occasional bloom of bright pink, sophisticated trenches; overall an utterly wearable yet striking collection, that makes it startlingly obvious that Westwood no longer needs to resort to rips and studs to provide vitality and the aforementioned attitude.

The original punk look coined by Westwood and her contemporaries continues to inspire designers and this season, sees several designers maybe not exactly going down the whole 'Anarchy in the UK' route in its entirety but certainly drawing inspiration from that era in British rock history. If there is one look, I really despise, its that pseudo - punk/rock chick look ala Avril Lavigne. Skull and crossbones, pink tartan, leggings, an 'ironic' tutu, you know those plastic and rubber studded accessories you get in Claire's Accessories; downright obnoxious attire if you fit into the over twelves category. Perhaps, then, this is just me, (hopefully) providing inspiration for a more mature take on the whole punk - girl thang.

Short jackets, zips, leather trousers, shirts tucked into belted trousers; the chilled - out punk, perhaps?Leather, jumpsuits, sheer detailing, black; unleashing that inner dominatrix punk.I find Comme Des Garcons' a/w collection thoroughly 1977 punk. The ripped detailing, shredded material, plastics, cage designs, jackets and the strange deconstruction of garments are almost traditionally non - conformist and for me, seeped in punk culture. The tartan at House of Holland could have been a disaster merely because its more fun then edgy but I still quite like this look..probably because of the matching eye - patch.

But back on topic hehe: I totally agree about the pseudo rock/punk look, it's completely devoid of the original intent and attitude that spurred on the punk culture. I love Vivienne Westwood (and Malcolm) and love the pictures you've featured.

Great and good news for lots of you who wanted my street style and Paris fashion weeks stories translated.Thanks to Google translator widget (in the upper right of the blog ), they now can be read in the language of your choice.

To celebrate that, I posted 87 new photos from the Paris fashion week.

Thank you all for your support, comments and links that has motivated me to make Style and the City the great Paris street style and fashion week blog that humanize fashionI love you all and wish you a very great week end.I'm thrilled to read your comments now you can read my stories in Paris